Complete Set of 12 FA Cup Football Stamp Sheets These Great Sporting Events "Local Issue" stamps were issued in 1996 by six postal authorities of the United Kingdom (UK). They were released to chart the history of the FA Cup Final, and depict great moments from finals over the years. The F.A. Cup Collection was officially authorised by the Football Association and the clubs who are featured. Each of the six postal authorities issued 2 souvenir sheets, totalling 12 minisheets (all illustrated below). Other individual FA Cup stamps from the series are available in my other eBay listings. FACE VALUE (Original Purchase Price) was £22.00. PLEASE NOTE: The stamps are not valid for postage in mainland Britain unless the Royal Mail postage stamps are also applied. They were issued offshore and were only valid for delivery to the mainland Post Office, at which point the Royal Mail took responsibility for delivery. The postal rates for delivery to the mainland was double those of the UK, hence these higher value issues. The stamps are genuine, and listed in various stamp catalogues (e.g. Phillips GB Locals). They were issued primarily to support the boat services to the mainland and the community councils of the islands. They have also found popularity with visitors to the islands (who then use the postal service, e.g. for postcards) and stamp collectors worldwide. And for those needing a Geography lesson, the six postal authorities are: BERNERA (Great Bernera and Little Bernera - northwest of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides); DAVAAR - an island at the mouth of Campbeltown Loch in Kintyre Peninsular, Argyll; EASDALE - A small island in Argyll on the west coast of Scotland, 16 miles south of Oban; GAIRSAY lies at the eastern end of Eynhallow Sound and at the northern exit of Wide Firth, Orkney; and Gugh Island and St. Martin in the Scillies off Cornwall. UK 1st CLASS P&P is 95p. Additional Lots 20p P&P. Airmail (Europe) is £1.75. Additional Lots 35p P&P. Airmail (Outside Europe) is £2.55. Additional Lots 50p P&P. |